IN THE MEDIA

The following is an excerpt from NineMSN, Saturday 20 September 2008:

"Brain-fitness plan can improve memory

A US-designed software program set to be introduced in Australia can add an average 10 years of speed, accuracy and recall to an individual's brain age, Alzheimer's Australia says.

The lobby group's West Australian branch has released the results of the two-year study to find the optimum brain-fitness plan to improve memory function and recall.

The brainchild of US neurosurgeon Mike Merzenich, the program needs to be used for 40 minutes a day, five days a week for eight weeks to have the optimum effect.

The trials, peer-reviewed in medical journals, also showed that listening skills improve by up to 131 per cent.

But Alzheimer's Australia says even if it is not maintained on a regular basis, the benefits can last for 12 to 18 months."

To read the full article please CLICK HERE

BRAIN FITNESS ACTIVITIES

“It is excellent that your organisation is getting the word out on brain fitness. I am very keen to start training, and have purchased the Brain Fitness Program Classic but what are some things I can do to keep my brain fit after completing the program?”

It seems that every day we are asked that question and we applaud your positive interest on how to keep your mind motivated. There are many ways to develop and maintain a healthy mind. Learning new and developing old skills to better choice of foods and physical activity.

It has inspired us to create a series devoted to different brain fitness activities you can do to keep your brain healthy and encourage its natural plasticity.

So without further ado, let’s get started with the inaugural post of BRAIN FITNESS ACTIVITIES!

“Don’t tell fish stories where people know you; but particularly don’t tell them where people know the fish.”
- Mark Twain

Get to know fish that is rich in Omega-3, such as Atlantic salmon, mackerel, blue fin tuna and sardines. Studies have shown that eating these types of fish at least once a week can improve cognitive functions.

Maggie Beer has a fantastic recipe for “Salmon Poached in Olive Oil with Tomato and Avocado Salsa”. This recipe can be found in the cookbook Recipes for a Healthy Mind.



Recipes for a Healthy Mind is available only through Alzheimer’s Australia WA (08) 9388 2800

ALL ABOUT BRAIN FITNESS

Brain training is the buzz word of our time.


Maintaining mental sharpness is one of the keys to successful ageing. Brain fitness training not only slows decline in mental sharpness, but can reverse some of the loss already experienced

Australia's Aged Care Commissioner Rhonda Parker says, “Brain fitness training challenges the notion that we are somehow pre-programmed to inevitable decline in later life, in fact, the data shows that much of the decline in later life is result of lifestyle choices, and training the brain works in the same way that fitness training benefits the body.”

Brain plasticity is the idea that our brains are “plastic” and have the ability to change in response to new learning and stimuli. It challenges the notion that our brains become “hard wired” and cease to alter its structure and abilities after the first year of life

The brain’s natural plasticity means that the brain has the capacity to grow and change right up to death. Engaging that plasticity through brain fitness training has shown to not only improve cognitive abilities but can counter effect normal age related cognitive decline.

"As people live longer, mental fitness is as important as physical fitness as we look for ways to extend quality across all our days,' Ms Parker said.

Using the right tools and exercises, including a proper diet, will keep our brains fit and on top of its game.

Stop back often as we introduce you to different ways you can keep your brain fit and healthy!